A picket
of the 13th Hussars surprised near the Tugela River (Hussar Hill).From: Stephen
Luscombe, The British Empire.

B-P served with the 13th
Hussars in India, Afghanistan, South Africa and, on home service, in
England. In 1912, he was appointed Colonel of the Regiment. Over the
years, he would write about his experiences in several books and in
hundreds of letters home, many illustrated with his sketches. The
following is an excerpt from the Regimental History, C. R. B. Barrett,
History of the XIII Hussars, 1911.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
South African War, 1899-1900.Part Two. To December 1900.

Up to the
end of February the health of the regiment was ex­ceptionally good, the
number of men sick in hospital on the last day of the month being 36.

With the horses it was another matter. They had been dis­embarked after a
voyage of twenty-four days, and without being allowed any time to
acclimatise had been immediately sent up country and worked hard. Up to this
date the casualties among the horses numbered 108, but many of these were
remounts that could not stand the work, and had to be returned to a sick
horse depot at the earliest opportunity.

The
brigade halted at Nelthorpe on March 2. This day Captain Tremayne went to
hospital with enteric, and his duties as adjutant were undertaken till his
return on June 24th by Lieutenant E. W. Denny.

The
relieving force entered Ladysmith on March 3, the 2nd Division leading, with
the cavalry brigade in rear, and followed by the 5th Division. Sir George White and his staff
stood opposite the town hall, and Sir Redvers Buller at the end of the town.

The
2nd of March was employed in cleaning up, as if for a review; instead of
mopping up the Boer guns and waggons. On the 3rd, the day of entry, the
force solemnly marched through the town, past the garrison, who were under
arms, dressed in their best clothes, and many scarcely able to stand up
under arms. There was little en­thusiasm either that day or the day before,
as far as the regimental soldier was concerned. Both the Ladysmith Garrison
and the Natal Force viewed the two days with a dull anger. Both knew what a
chance was being cast to the wind. The mounted arm also felt that to date
they had practically been looking on. But so it was. The brigade took over
quarters in "Tin Town," and were _just getting the horses in when the enemy
was reported to be about five miles away. The whole brigade was turned out,
but nothing happened, and in the evening the men returned to quarters.

The
next day Lieut.-Colonel Blagrove went into hospital with enteric, and the
command devolved on Major Close until April 21.

On
the 6th the brigade marched to Elandslaagte, where it went into bivouac.

The
same day the 5th Dragoon Guards, who had been through the siege, were added
to the brigade, but remained in Ladysmith. The 14th Hussars were withdrawn
from the brigade on the 7th and left for Capetown.

Lieutenant Marchant also remained in Ladysmith in charge of details, as also
did Lieutenant Pepys, who was sick. The latter officer, a few days later,
went down to Durban, rejoining his regiment on March 21.

On
March 7th A Squadron was sent on outpost duty to Sunday's River, and
Lieutenant J. T. Wigan with five men as an officer's patrol was sent on to
reconnoitre towards Meran, a distance of about five miles.

After going about three miles they came under the fire of about 30 Boers
concealed in a kraal. Lance-Corporal Watt was killed, Lieu­tenant Wigan shot
through the shoulder, a severe wound, and Private Rugg was hit in the thigh.
Private Farrance very pluckily came

back to assist Lieutenant Wigan, for which his name was mentioned in
despatches. Lieutenant Wigan's wound was very severe, he was invalided home,
and did not rejoin the regiment till April 1901.

Two
days later the regiment moved on nearer to Sunday's River. Here news came
that the Royals on outpost duty were being attacked, and A Squadron was sent
on to support them.

The
first draft, consisting of 23 non-commissioned officers and men, arrived
from England on March 23.

Two
days later 2nd Lieutenant G. H. Hodgkinson joined from England.

While on outpost duty at Weazel's Nek on April 5, Privates Morris and Hazel
were taken prisoners. Private Hazel remained prisoner at Pretoria till the
British occupied that place. Private Morris, who was wounded in the leg, was
sent to Newcastle in an ox waggon, where Mrs Potter, the wife of a
missionary, nursed him. He died from the effects of the wound on May 14.

Furnishing one squadron each day for outpost duty, the regiment remained at
Sunday's River Camp until April 8, on which day with the Royals they marched
to Star Hill Camp, Ladysmith.

Captain Smythe, who was with Clery's Division at Elandslaagte, having gone
sick, Captain Battye was sent thither to take over charge of his men on
April 9, and on the same day C Squadron went as outpost squadron to
Thabanyama.

Heavy firing in the direction of Elandslaagte was heard on the 16th at 8
A.M. A Squadron, with the Royals, turned out in support. It appears that the
irregulars under Lord Dundonald, who took up the outpost line on Sunday's
River when the 1st Cavalry Brigade left on the 8th, did not keep so sharp a
look-out as their predecessors. This the Boers speedily discovered, and
attacking them, drove them into their camp, which they then proceeded to
shell heavily. While the 13th and the Royals had held this line for over a
month, not only had they warded off any attack, but had also managed to
obtain much useful information.

On
the 11th the camp was moved from Star Hill to Niblick Hill, a distance of
about one mile and a half.

During
the remainder of the stay of the regiment at Ladysmith, which town it left
on August 4, one squadron was employed each week as an advance squadron.
This was at first posted at Clydesdale Farm, but on May 25th its position
was withdrawn to a pleasant camp at Arcadia, about seven miles from
Ladysmith.

On
April 23rd Lieutenant Stern's troop was ordered as an advanced post at
Blaawbank, but when the squadron was withdrawn to Arcadia it rejoined.

The
second draft, consisting of 35 non-commissioned officers and men from
England, joined on April 13. For a few days after the 17th Boers were
reported to be near Clydesdale, but they did not venture to attack the
troops.

On
April 10th 450 of the Queen's chocolate boxes arrived and were distributed.

Captain Smythe was appointed signalling officer, 1st Cavalry Brigade, on
April 25.

April 30. Major Smithson went down to Durban sick, and rejoined the regiment
on May 21.

During the time the regiment was at Sunday's River, Elandslaagte, and
Ladysmith, there was much sickness. Five men died in March, and seven in
April. In the same period 106 horses were received from the remount
department, 35 had died or had been destroyed, and 112 had been sent to the
sick horse depots. Horse sickness was at this time most prevalent.

On
May 5th a draft of 27 non-commissioned officers and men arrived from
England.

On
May 7th B Squadron, under Captain Wiggin, marched to Modder Spruit to act as
divisional cavalry to General Clery, and in consequence the following pages
for some time will be concerned with the A and C Squadrons only. The record
of the services of B Squadron will follow in its turn.

During this month Major Lambkin, R.A.M.C., left the regiment, and Captain
M'Laughlin, R.A.M.C., joined.

The
13th Hussars now became part of the Drakenberg Defence Force under
Major-General Downing, remaining at Ladysmith when the Royals and the 5th
Dragoon Guards left under General Burn­-Murdoch to be employed in the
Ingagane District.

A
welcome and large consignment of underclothing and comforts for the
non-commissioned officers and men, collected and sent by Lady Russell, and
another by Lady Wiggin, arrived during May, and were highly appreciated.

On
May 17th and 18th Mafeking was relieved.

On
receipt of the news the 13th Hussars sent a wire of congratulation to
Major-General Baden-Powell, and eliciting a grateful reply. The wire
concludes: "MacLaren progressing well."

Captain Kenneth MacLaren, 13th Hussars, who it will be remembered was for a
time adjutant of the regiment, was in July 1899 acting as A.D.C. to General
Sir Baker Russell. He was then ordered to South Africa, as Colonel R. S. S.
Baden-Powell had applied for his services.

Captain MacLaren had been seriously wounded outside Mafeking, March 31,
1900. Details of what occurred are given elsewhere. During the month of June
there is nothing to record except that on the 21st, 2nd Lieutenants Gubbins
and Lambert arrived from England with a draft of 7o men.

On
the 22nd, 2nd Lieutenant Marchant went down to Durban sick, and after a
seven weeks' stay on board the hospital ship Trojan, was employed until
October on the Remount Department at Durban.

A
Kaffir scout on the 29th brought in a report to Major Williams at Arcadia,
that he had overheard a Boer plan to take prisoner Mr Giles, the magistrate
of the Upper Tugela. Major Williams was ordered to send out a troop to
reconnoitre between Maria's Head and Potgeiter's Drift, a troop being sent
out from Niblick Hill under Lieutenant Clutterbuck to reinforce Arcadia if
necessary. No Boers were seen, and this troop returned to Niblick Hill about
8.15 P. M.

Sickness by the end of the month was very rife, there being no less than 126
men down, the cases being mainly enteric or dysentery.

July 1. Lieut.-Colonel Blagrove was promoted Brevet Colonel. On the same day
Lieutenant and Quartermaster G. Rupert, who had been in the hospital in "
Tin Town " for some days, was sent down to Princess Christian Hospital in
Pine Town, and was thence invalided home. He rejoined at Heidelberg May 2,
1902.

Early in the morning of July 7, orders were received for a troop to go out
to escort rations and to meet about 100 yeomanry and militia prisoners whom
De Wet had released. Lieutenant Jarvis was de­tached for this duty. Most of
these prisoners had been captured at Lindley, and appear to have been well
treated in the main by the Boers.

Seventy-eight yeomen were attached to the regiment till the end of the
month, during which time endeavours were made to instruct the majority of
them how to ride in comparative safety the quietest of the worn-out horses
that were issued to them by the Remount Department.

On
the 9th, 2nd Lieutenants Jenkins and Cosens joined from England.

On
the 27th C Squadron moved to Besters. A Squadron remained at Arcadia.
Headquarters and the men really belonging to B Squadron went with General
Clery to Smith's Crossing. Those men of B Squadron had been collected by men
coming out of hospital and the proportion due to that squadron from drafts.

Nest day one troop of C Squadron under Lieutenant Clutterbuck was sent from
Besters to Kirkintulloch.

At
the end of July the strength of the 13th Hussars was as follows With the
regiment near Ladysmith, 18 officers, 379 non-commissioned officers and men,
and 388 horses ; with the 2nd Division, 5 officers, 99 non-commissioned
officers and men, and 103 horses. There had been little if any diminution of
sickness during the month. S1 non­commissioned officers and men were in
hospital, and 5S had been invalided home.

The
yeomen left the regiment on July 28, marching to Modder Spruit under
Lieutenants Stern and Jarvis, proceeding thence to Pretoria. The two
officers rejoined the regiment at Newcastle on August 31.

The
month of August was eventful. On the 4th, orders were issued in the
afternoon for the regiment to march and occupy Van Reenan's Pass in the
night. All were delighted to escape from the unhealthi­ness of Ladysmith and
the monotony of life thereabouts.

With the 13th went Major Spurrell's squadron of the 5th Lancers. The pass
was occupied by midnight without opposition, in bitterly cold weather.

At
dawn the cavalry moved to Albertina and halted at Mr Smith's farm, the pass
and berg being occupied by the Gloucesters, the Derby Militia, two guns of
the Field Artillery, and a mountain battery.

C
Squadron and the squadron of the 5th Lancers after a two hours' halt went on
to Harrismith, where they found that General Hector Macdonald had just
marched in. That night the two squadrons bivouacked in the show yard.

At 4.30
A.M. on August 6th C Squadron, under Major Smithson, marched out to Wilge
river bridge-about six miles distant-to take over a heavy gun from General
Macdonald's force and guard it until the arrival of the force under General
Rundle. They handed over the gun and returned to Harrismith about 10 A.M. A
map and a guide were applied for by Major Smithson when engaged on this
duty, but neither could be supplied, and C Squadron had to start in the dark
to go six miles in an unknown country.

Next day the C Squadron and the squadron of the 5th Lancers returned to
Albertina, remaining there till August i1. Here patrols were sent out over a
large tract of country to collect arms, but few only were brought in.

Next day the regiment marched from Albertina to Van Reenans, and on the
morrrow left in six trains for Newcastle. The first train left at 8.30 A.M.,
the last at 9.45, and the camp at Newcastle was reached about 6 P.M.

Half the C Squadron under Lieutenant Wise went on with the maxim gun to
Donga Spruit that night, and next morning Major Smithson took the other half
squadron out to Mathew's farm.

At
Newcastle the strength of the 13th Hussars was 16 officers, 314
non-commissioned officers and men, and 14o horses. With the 2nd Division
there were 6 officers, 142 non-commissioned officers and men, and 34o
horses. From Donga Spruit Lieutenant Wise was ordered to patrol to Doornkop
and also to Coetze's Drift, where the 5th Dragoon Guards had a post. The
other half squadron patrolled to Wool's Drift and also along the Nkandu
river, and then were to join with the Royals from Duck Pond Farm. Now it was
understood that there was a Boer laager of strength unknown behind the hills
north-east of Wool's Drift, and that the main body was at Welgevonden, about
eleven miles from the laager in the same direction. Daily patrols went out
from the camp towards Muller's Pass, Monkey Pass, Donkey Pass, and Donavon.

On
August 15, at about 6.30 A.M., a verbal message from the officer commanding
the 5th Dragoon Guards at Coetze's Drift reached Lieutenant Wise at Donga
Spruit, telling him to bring all his avail­able force to support his right
flank, as he was going to attack Doornkop. A party of the 5th Dragoon Guards
had stampeded the Boer horses during the night. Lieutenant Wise got in touch
with the 5th Dragoon Guards, but they had been driven back, after having

chased a party of Boers beyond Doornkop. He then received orders to retire.

For
the next four days all was quiet at Donga Spruit. News was, however,
received that a patrol of the 5th Dragoon Guards from Coetze's Drift had
been fired on, and that the Boers to the east of Newcastle were in fairly
strong force.

On
the 19th twelve remounts of possibly worse character than usual, though not
much, arrived from the remount department. Five of these after trial were
returned. Mounted on such useless brutes, the men were at a most distinct
disadvantage when patrolling in a country known to be full of the enemy.

On
August 10th a message was received from Major Smithson to the effect that
the troop of the Royals at Duck Pond Farm had been attacked by some 400
Boers and compelled to retire on Fort Macready. Major Smithson endeavoured
to cut off the Boers, and went as far as the junction of the Ingagane and
Buffalo rivers, but the Boers retired, and he took on his troops towards
Wool's Drift. From camp the squadron turned out and reconnoitred towards the
Ingagane and Buffalo rivers, but no sign of the enemy was visible.

From Donga Spruit that morning a patrol was kept well occupied. It appears
that about 250 or 300 Boers were on the flats under Doornkop. They were
being watched by a patrol under Sergeant Miller. The Boers tried to cut the
party off, and to prevent this Lieutenant Wise turned out with his inlying
picket, upon which the enemy retired. When Sergeant Miller's patrol in
retirement reached the river, the horse of Private Graham fell just as he
got into the water. Private Graham hid in some long grass, and eluding the
search made for him by the Boers rejoined Lieutenant Wise on foot.
Lieutenant Wise reported that this patrol behaved well, and that Sergeant
Miller showed coolness and discretion.

All
the patrols of the 5th Dragoon Guards were fired on that day, two men being
wounded and one taken prisoner.

On
the 21st news came about 8.30 A.M. that an attack was being made on Donga
Spruit. The squadrons turned out and went in that direction, but were met by
intelligence that the enemy had retired.

It seems
that the Boers had kept up a very heavy and accurate pom-pom fire on the
post, but the horses were well concealed in a donga and the men placed under
good cover, so that the only damage done was two mules killed and a waggon
slightly injured.

By
11.30 there were two Royal Field Artillery guns under Captain Spencer, R.A.,
and two companies of the Middlesex Regiment on the ridge west of the
railway, under Windsor Castle. The two squadrons of the 13th Hussars were
then ordered to reconnoitre down to the Buffalo river. As soon as the
advanced scouts had crossed the stream, the enemy came on in considerable
force. Both squadrons came under a heavy rifle and pom-pom fire, and retired
to the ridge between two and three miles west of Wool's Drift. The enemy
then retired towards Doornkop. The casualties that day in the regiment were
Privates Gilchrist and Willis slightly wounded, and five horses wounded. The
squadron under Major Smithson at Mathew's Farm was ordered to be relieved on
the following day by Major Williams's squadron. About 8 A.M. news came to
Major Smithson that about zoo Boers were crossing the Buffalo river near
Wool's Drift.

Now
owing to the number of men employed in patrolling, the squadron was reduced
to one weak troop. With this, however, Major Smithson advanced to a slight
rise, since known as Smithson's Ridge, and at about one and a half mile west
of Wool's Drift, the intention being to check the Boers' advance. A message
was sent back to Major Williams, who was unaware that the enemy were
attacking, and had already started for Mathew's Farm, to give him
information of the state of affairs. This troop (Lieutenant Lyons') was
attacked heavily on three sides. Major Smithson gave the order to fall back
on A Squadron, and was almost immediately shot through both knees. Corporal
Cooke also was wounded in the arm.

Major Smithson was taken prisoner, wounded, but was very courteously treated
by the Boer Commandant Opperman,—one of the 13th, whose horse had been shot,
and who had been taken prisoner, being sent in to get an ambulance and guide
it to Major Smithson. But the resistance offered by the troop bore ample
fruit. A Squadron had time to come out and engage the enemy well away from
the town, and the guns also were able to be brought out. The C and A
Squadrons had practically defeated the attack, and a round or two from the
guns completed the discomfiture of the enemy. The Boers retired, and were
eventually driven back across the Buffalo River. More than one gallant
action was performed on that day. Private Dempsey of the A Squadron
dismounted and assisted a comrade, whose horse had been shot, on to his own
mount. Holding on to the stirrup, he was in the act of retiring when the
brave fellow was shot and died within the hour. The name of this gallant
soldier, had he lived, would have been brought forward for a Victoria Cross.
Lieutenant Jenkins, despite the efforts made to bring him in, was taken
prisoner.

The
troop of Lieutenant Jenkins had dismounted to cover the retirement of the
troop of C Squadron. When Major Williams gave the order for this troop to
mount and take up another position, the horse of Lieutenant Jenkins, which
was being led up to him by Private Herbert, fell shot. Private Herbert rode
to the officer and offered his own horse, an offer which Lieutenant Jenkins
refused. Private Herbert then rejoined his troop. Lieutenant Jenkins then
took hold of the stirrup of Sergeant-Farrier Hunt, and ran alongside for a
short distance, but soon fell, and in falling injured his hip. The enemy
were now quite close. Sergeant-Farrier Hunt then rode up to Major Williams
and reported that all the troop were mounted and coming away except
Lieutenant Jenkins. Major Williams said to him that as he had a big horse he
might try to pick the Lieu­tenant up, if he liked to chance it.
Sergeant-Farrier Hunt then rode back to Lieutenant Jenkins, who, however,
still refused assistance and would not mount Hunt's horse. It was perfectly
certain that both would be taken prisoners, and Lieutenant Jenkins was
dis­abled. Sergeant-Farrier Hunt then galloped back to his troop, running
the gauntlet of a heavy fire. Private Herbert and Sergeant-Farrier Hunt were
both mentioned in despatches for their behaviour on this occasion, but while
Private Herbert subsequently received a medal, Sergeant-Farrier Hunt was
unrewarded. Lieutenant Jenkins was released by his captors on October 9, and
rejoined the regiment at Heidelberg on November 1.

Major Smithson reported to the Officer Commanding as follows:­ Private
Cooke, who was hit alongside of me, behaved very well, as also did the
others.

Our
casualties on this day were: One man killed, Major Smithson and one man
wounded, Lieutenant Jenkins missing, four horses killed, sixteen horses
wounded.

Lieutenant Church, who left with two troops of A Squadron to relieve
Lieu­tenant Wise and his two troops at Donga Spruit, was opposed by a
considerable number of Boers, who galloped down to the line and blew up a
culvert near Wessel's Farm, doing but little damage. Lieutenant Church
undoubtedly prevented further damage being done. When the Boers attacking
Mathew's Farm retreated, this force retired, and Lieutenant Church proceeded
to Donga Spruit.

This was intended by the Boers to have been the main attack, and to have
ended in the capture of Newcastle. The enemy under Com­mandant Opperman
numbered 2000 and were so sure of success that they wired that Newcastle had
been captured, a message that appeared in some Dutch papers in Europe. That
this was so intended was confirmed later, and also after peace had been
declared. The Boer excuse for failure was that one commando under Lucas
Meyer, the distinguished commandant, arrived too late, and that in
consequence they were beaten in detail. Colonel Blagrove was complimented by
the General Officer Commanding on the excellent work done by the regiment
during the day.

Major Smithson was invalided home in October, and rejoined the regiment
again in August 1901.

On
August 22nd a 12-pounder gun was sent out to Sikafu, and having successfully
negotiated the hill was mounted during the night. On the morrow another gun
of similar calibre was mounted on Windsor Castle.

About 8 A.M. on the 24th the Boers again attacked the troop of the Royals at
Duck Pond Farm and drove them in. At the same time they threatened Donga
Spruit with another force and a pom-pom. The 12-pounder from Sikafu,
however, knocked out the pom-pom on Whitestone Ridge at the first shot, and
the enemy left Donga Spruit severely alone in future, as long as the 13th
were holding that post.

The
Boers then advanced and occupied the heights to the north­west of Tondga,
detaching a party at the same time, who took away with them l00 lb. of
dynamite, a number of detonators, and a mule waggon with a span of mules
from the collieries. They were forced to retire, however, at 11.30 A.M.,
owing to their flank being turned to the south by the Royals, and on the
north by a force under Colonel Blagrove, consisting of one squadron 13th
Hussars, two guns of the Royal Field Artillery, and a company of the
Middlesex Regiment.

On
the same day it was decided by the Officer Commanding the Defences, Colonel
W. Hill, Middlesex Regiment, to discontinue holding Mathew's Farm as a night
outpost, and the advanced squadron holding that place were ordered to retire
each night to the plate-layers' hut, near the spur of Windsor Castle. Every
day, however, at dawn, Mathew's Farm was occupied and held as before. Only
six Boers were seen on August 25.

On
the 26th 2nd Lieutenant Lambert went to hospital. Later he was invalided
home, rejoining the regiment in April 1901.

On
August 27th the following orders were received: The available cavalry will
leave here (Newcastle) at 11.30 A.M., supported by two companies of infantry
and two guns, R.F.A., the latter to move at first to the ridge under Windsor
Castle, and afterwards with your (O. C. Defences) direction to cover Wool's
Drift. The Royals at Rooi Pynt have been ordered to support on the right by
Dick's Drift, and to push patrols towards Utrecht. The half squadron at
Mathew's Farm was, accordingly, ordered to Wool's Drift, and to send a
patrol on to Middlesex Hill. C Squadron and headquarters proceeded to Wool's
Drift, placing an observation post on Umbana.

The
half squadron under Lieutenant Church at Donga Spruit sent a patrol to
Doornkop, and a troop under Lieutenant Bayley that was temporarily lent by
General Burn-Murdoch went to the sangar on the south-east end of Whitestone
Ridge.

From C Squadron a patrol consisting of Corporal Crook and six men was sent
to reconnoitre towards Welgevonden, passing between Doornkop and Umbana; but
after proceeding about two miles this patrol was driven in. Another patrol,
Corporal M'Elhannen and two men, sent in the same direction, was also driven
in. Lieutenant Denny, who had been ordered to stay out with an observation
post and see these patrols in, came under a somewhat heavy fire. The half
squadron from Donga Spruit reconnoitred all round Doornkop, dis­covering
about 40 Boers engaged in covering a larger force, of which the numbers
could not be ascertained. When these parties had all been collected, and the
presence of the enemy on and near Bastion Hill determined, the regiment
retired at 5.30 P.M.

The
enemy on the 28th and 29th was nowhere to be seen. At mid­night on the 28th
a spark from a heavy train in passing the platelayer's but set fire to the
grass. This caused a stampede of about 20 horses and 4 chargers. During the
next day the horses were all recovered, but most of them were badly cut by
barbed wire.

In
a despatch dated November 9, 1900, General Sir Redvers Buller details the
work of the force employed in safeguarding the lines of communication from
Ladysmith to Heidelberg, from July to September, and in mentioning the name
of General Burn-Murdoch says that his excellent arrangements and the
rapidity of his movements secured the town and district of Newcastle from
invasion, despite the fact that it was on many occasions attacked seriously
by superior forces. He instances August 20, 21, 22, and 29. The names of the
following officers, non -commissioned officers and men of the 13th Hussars
appeared in this despatch: Brevet Colonel H. J. Blagrove, Major Smithson,
Lieutenant F. H. Wise, Captains E. A. Wiggin, J. H. Tremayne (Adjutant), A.
H. Taylor, Lieutenant E. W. Denny, Squadron Sergeant-Major Prentice,
Privates Pritchard, Farrance, and Herbert.

Captain Ogilvy and Lieutenant Spencer joined from England on September 3.
The latter officer had been invalided home since going into hospital in
January.

Two days
later a movement in conjunction with Generals Hildyard and Talbot-Coke was
ordered. The information given to the 13th was as follows:—

General Hildyard is to move from Volksrust on Wakerstroom, early on the 5th
instant, taking the road north of the hills which form the north boundary of
Volksrust-Wakerstroom defile, so as to approach Wakerstroom from north­west
direction. General Talbot-Coke's troops will, on the same day, move from
Ingogo in the direction north-east side of Doornstrand, to the west of
Wool's Drift-Wakerstroom road.

It
is the intention of the G.O.C. (Burn-Murdoch) to demonstrate by Wool's Drift
bridge to Utrecht, in order to prevent the enemy's forces in that direction
from reinforcing Wakerstroom.

At
the beginning of these operations some slight confusion was caused owing to
General Hildyard and General Talbot-Coke working by Cape time, while the
13th and the rest of that force were working by Natal time, a difference of
more than thirty minutes.

The
force from Newcastle was composed as follows: one squadron of the 13th
Hussars and three squadrons of the Royal Dragoons under Colonel Blagrove;
half a battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, four guns of the Royal Field
Artillery, and a half section field hospital under Colonel Hill.

The
two troops of A Squadron, leaving the platelayer's hut, arrived at the
junction of the Ingagane and Nkandu rivers by daybreak to watch the right
flank, proceeding later to Pamelo's Drift. From Donga Spruit the two troops
of A Squadron took up a position on Whitestone Ridge, and reconnoitring
Doornkop watched the left flank. C Squadron sent out a troop at 5 A.M. to
Mathew's Farm, patrolling towards Donga Spruit and Wool's Drift.

The
remainder of Colonel Blagrove's force started at 6.30 A.M., three troops of
the Royals being on the right. At 8.40 A.M. Umbana and Middlesex Hill were
occupied. Nothing happened till 1.30 P.M., when small parties of Boers
approached Umbana from the east, possibly to ascertain if the British
artillery was present. A brisk interchange of rifle-fire took place at long
range, and lasted for about ten minutes, after which the Boers retired.

All
this time the infantry and artillery had been posted on Smith­son's Ridge,
but during the evening they came on to Umbana and bivouacked. C Squadron and
the Royals bivouacked at the same place, Major Williams's two troops near
Pamelo's Drift, and Lieutenant Church's under Whitestone Ridge.

About 8 A.M. on the 6th General Talbot-Coke, who was at Pimple Hill, asked
that the force should operate along the south-east of Doornkop towards
Welgevonden.

It
was found that there were a few Boers holding Bastion Hill, and in
consequence the guns at Umbana fired a few rounds at them, which drove them
farther back along the hill. About 4.45 that afternoon a staff officer rode
over from General Talbot-Coke, and shortly afterwards the 13th retired to
Umbana and bivouacked.

Next morning, starting at 8.30 A.M., the country was carefully searched as
far as the foot of the berg, especially where the track led up to the top of
the berg above Welgevonden Farm, C Squadron meanwhile occupying bastion Hill
till relieved by the infantry later in the day.

About noon some 80 to 100 Boers were sighted, and a squadron of the Royals
galloped on and opened a long-range fire on the enemy, but the wire fences
much hampered the movement.

The
Welgevonden Farm mentioned purported to be a hospital, and red cross flags
were hoisted there. On examination the only patient proved to be an idiot
boy, and no medical appliances were visible. Red crosses were painted on
some waggons, but the paint was still wet. Boreman's Farm was burnt by
General Talbot-Coke. The next morning patrols were sent out, but about 11
A.M. the half squadrons posted at Donga Spruit and the platelayer's hut were
ordered to retire to their respective quarters, while C Squadron and
headquarters returned to Newcastle.

On
the 9th a sudden order came for the 13th to proceed from Newcastle to
Umbana. It started at 9 A.M. Umbana and Bastion Hill were clear of Boers,
but Private Trustram was wounded in the arm by a sniper, of whom there were
a few about.

Most of the 10th was employed on and around Bastion Hill. The Royals
advanced to the berg, and within a mile of Utrecht, but no Boers were
visible. That night the 13th went into bivouac.

Next day an advance was made on Utrecht. At 11.40 A. M. the scouts had been
round and beyond the town. Heliographic com­munication was established with
General Hildyard at 2 P.M., and it was learnt that he had met with but
slight opposition.

The
bivouac that night was at a spot two miles west of Utrecht, and on the
morrow at 12.30 P.M. orders came to return to Umbana. On September 13th
three troops of A Squadron, two companies of the Middlesex Regiment, under
Major Close, remained at Umbana; while the remainder of the regiment marched
back to Newcastle, with the exception of one troop under Lieutenant Church,
which went again to Donga Spruit.

The
regiment was now employed in seeing convoys through to Utrecht via Umbana,
and in patrolling from Donga Spruit and from Newcastle to the berg on the
west.

September 14. Lieutenant Bayley returned to the staff.

As
a patrol was fired on from the pretended hospital at Welgevonden Farm, where
the red cross flags were still flying, the place was blown up on the 17th by
the orders of General Hildyard.

An
enormous swarm of locusts annoyed the troops in camp on the 22nd. There was
a very high wind blowing, and the locusts were driven against men and horses
with considerable force. During the afternoon, in consequence, the men had
to stand to the heads of the horses. It was a most unpleasant experience.

In
co-operation with the troops from Ingogo, A Squadron reconnoitred Monkey
Pass and Donovan's Farm on October 1. No Boers were seen, and camp was
regained about 3.30 P.M. On that day Captain Battye, who had been
transferred from B to A Squadron, arrived.

Second Lieutenants Twist, Marchant, and Hodgkinson were pro­moted
lieutenants on October 3, and on the same day a troop was detached to occupy
Fort Biddulph.

From the 5th to the 15th the weather was very bad, dust storms causing great
annoyance.

On
the 8th, in compliance with a request from the District Com­missioner of
Utrecht, Colonel Blagrove was ordered to take a force to clear the top of
Belalas Berg. Two squadrons of the 5th Dragoon Guards, two troops of the
Royals, and six troops of the 13th Hussars were engaged on this duty. The
force had its rendezvous at Bezendenhout's Farm at 8.15 A.M. During the
whole day they were employed in collecting stock and clearing farms in this
rough and precipitous district. Altogether 40 horses, 80 cattle, and 1100
sheep were driven in, and the troops regained the camp at Umbana at 9 P.M.
At the approach of a squadron the Boers made off, but two men belong­ing to
a strong patrol of the 5th Dragoon Guards were hit.

On
October 11th Lieutenant Marchant rejoined.

Four days later Sir Redvers Buller passed through Newcastle for Durban on
his way home.

It
was reported on October 26th that during the previous night the Boers had
burnt Waschbank station and destroyed the line. At noon on this day A
Squadron, under Major Williams, left for Dannhauser, where they arrived at 5
P.M. Here news came that the Boers were advancing north towards One Tree
Hill, and would bivouac there that night. Major Williams wired to Newcastle
to ask that a squadron of the Royals, then on the rail for Glencoe, might be
intercepted to co-operate with him at dawn next morning at One Tree Hill.
The reply was that this should be done. Accordingly, at 3 A.M. next morning
A Squadron marched to One Tree Hill, and arrived there at 5.30 only to find
that the enemy had left two hours previously over the berg. The squadron of
the Royals had not yet arrived, and Major Williams waited till 8.30 A.M.,
when he started to return to Dannhauser. He had hardly done this when he was
called up by the heliograph of the Royals, who had now reached the place
where they were expected to be at 5 A.M. The message informed Major Williams
that the Royals were going after the Boers. To this Major Williams replied
that the enemy had left before his arrival. A second message came saying
that the Royals were going on, and asked for his support. He followed them,
therefore, for about eight miles, but nothing was seen of the enemy. The
orders re­ceived by Major Williams from General Hildyard on that morning
were to hold the railway, and only to send out patrols. He, however, took
the squadron in the hope of making a capture, as under the circumstances
every man might be needed.

On
October 29th A and C Squadrons concentrated at Newcastle preparatory to a
change the next day, when they entrained for Greylingstad, Waterval,
Vlakfontein, Eden Kop, and Heidelberg.

The
strength of the various detachments on November 1st was as follows:­

The
total strength of the regiment at the front was therefore 25 officers, 1
warrant officer, 497 non-commissioned officers and men, and 445 horses.

At
this period the enemy were most actively employed in blowing up the line and
holding up trains whenever practicable. This gave the regiment constant work
patrolling the line, in addition to which the irksome duties of supplying
escorts to convoys, cattle guards, &c., fell to its lot.

The
camp at Heidelberg was close to the station, where a depot of the Army
Service Corps with a considerable quantity of stores also existed. The
station was supposed to be in a condition capable of defence, but the
defences, considering the importance of the place, were decidedly weak.
General Cooper, who was then in command of the Heidelberg sub-district, in
consequence authorised the employment of Kaffir labour, and with this aid
the three troops commanded by Captain Ogilvy speedily put the defences of
the place into such a condition that an attack by the enemy was a thing
ardently to be desired. Major Close now took over the command of Waterval,
and had besides the two troops of the A Squadron, two companies of the
Scottish Rifles, and two guns of the 64th Battery Royal Field Artillery
under Lieutenant Spiller. Here, too, the defences were weak, and their
strengthening was pressed on with all the rapidity possible.

On
November 4th Lieutenant Wise went home on leave, granted by Lord Roberts. He
resigned his commission on May 4, 1901.

On
November 5th Captain Ogilvy took out 62 men from Heidel­berg, leaving at 4
A.M., and proceeded to the Nigel Mines, reconnoitring thence towards
Boschmanskop. There he met with very considerable numbers of the enemy
about, and retired on the Nigel.

On the
same day Lieutenant Lyons was unfortunately wounded in the leg by a ricochet
shot. His wound necessitated his being sent up to hospital at Pretoria,
which was now in our hands. Subsequently he was invalided home. He sailed
for South Africa again on May 31, 1902, and rejoined the regiment then at
Pretoria. The circumstances were these: Lieutenant Lyons was ordered to take
his troops out from Eden Kop to hunt for some cattle supposed to be
concealed in a kloof. The country was very rocky and precipitous, and when
the section Lieutenant Lyons had taken on was retiring, about half a dozen
Boers crept up and opened fire.

On
the 9th the enemy made an attack on the Nigel, but were repulsed by the
company of infantry that was posted there. C Squadron, which had turned out
from Heidelberg when the attack was reported, after proceeding a short
distance returned.

At
Eden Kop, on October 12, Lieutenant Spencer took over the command of the
troop owing to the wound of Lieutenant Lyons, Second Lieutenant Jenkins
taking the place of Lieutenant Spencer at Waterval. On the same day Colonel
Blagrove was placed in command of all troops in garrison at Heidelberg, as
well as of those in its immediate neighbourhood. Lieutenant Clutterbuck of
the 4th Hussars, who had been attached to the regiment since it sailed from
England, now left to rejoin his regiment in India.

But
the enemy was active in the district at this time. Two night attacks on the
Vaal station, about three miles from Waterval, took place, one on the 11th
and the other on the 15th. They were both repulsed by the Scottish Rifles
there, under Captain Barton, who had only two casualties.

A
place known as Horne's Farm, and supposed to be held by from 80 to 100
Boers, now required to be cleared of the enemy. In con­sequence A Squadron
and the Scottish Rifles from Greylingstad, being available for the purpose,
turned out. A farm near was blown up, but Horne's Farm was found to be
strongly held, and in a very snug position. As the squadron and the Scottish
Rifles returned to camp they were followed by the enemy, who fired on them
but without inflicting loss. On the 24th of the month, however, A Squadron
working in concert with the column commanded by Colonel Bewicke-Copley drove
the Boers out of Horne's Farm and blew it up. It was then discovered that
the enemy numbered nearly 400.

On
the 18th C Squadron was out most of the day engaged in watching the front,
while a post at Houtpoort was being established. The enemy was numerous, but
retired to safe positions in the hills whence they occasionally sniped the
men, but the squadron suffered no casualties.

Next day a party of about 16 Boers attacked one of the posts at Waterval.
Private Elsegood was wounded in the leg, and the horse of Private Elliott
was killed, while he was injured by the animal rolling on him. The men in
another post on the left turned out and drove off the enemy.

On
this day Lieutenant Stern with his troop went out on reconnaissance duty
from Greylingstad. Seventy Boers attacked the party. Lieutenant Stern,
however, extricated his men with skill, and beyond two horses being wounded
suffered no casualties.

Corporal Jackson on this occasion behaved with coolness and decision. His
name was in consequence submitted to the officer commanding for early
promotion. Corporal Jackson was promoted sergeant on October 24.

Accompanied by some of the Scottish Rifles, Major Williams took his squadron
to Daas Poort on the 20th, returning the same evening. Two days later the
same force, working in conjunction with Colonel Bewicke-Copley's column,
made a demonstration towards the gold mine south-east of Greylingstad.

For
the month of November there is but little to record. The Waterval detachment
was for some days occupied in clearing farms and collecting
provisions-during which time Guide Waite with his six native scouts did good
work. The detachment was fired upon daily while so employed.

The
force at Heidelberg was augmented on November 26th by the arrival of the 7th
Dragoon Guards and the 14th Hussars, under Brigadier-General G. Hamilton.

Field-Marshal Lord Roberts was now about to give up the com­mand of the army
in South Africa. His successor was General Lord Kitchener of Khartoum. On
the 29th of November Lord Roberts published his farewell to the troops in an
Army Order dated from Johannesburg.

The
passage of Lord Roberts down country by rail was watched with great care,
and special precautions were taken to prevent the enemy from committing any
outrage.

At
the close of the month the comfort of the regiment was much increased by a
generous and kindly gift from the workers at the factory of Messrs J. & P.
Coats of Paisley. The large quantity of socks, tobacco, cocoa, &c.,
forwarded on this occasion being very much appreciated.

The
Boers in December renewed their activity in railway destruction. On the 7th,
70 men from C Squadron marched out at 12.30 A.M. and joined a force of 250
of the King's Royal Rifles with 2 guns under Lieut.-Colonel Bewicke-Copley.
The force proceeded to a ridge over­looking Deepkloof. A force under General
G. Hamilton and Colonel Colville, which had marched earlier that night,
co-operated. The inten­tion was, if possible, to surround the Boers in the
kloof, but the opera­tions were not successful. Farm clearing occupied the
morrow, when several women and children were brought in, and the force
returned to Heidelberg that night. The women gave as much trouble as
possible—one who insisted in being brought in gave birth to a child on a
waggon during the journey.

On
December 8th the Boers destroyed the line near Vlaklaagte and held up a
train. Lieutenant Church with his troop turned out from Waterval, but found
the enemy off and away. Shortly after the B Squadron under Captain Wiggin
arrived from Standerton, but the enemy had too long a start and escaped
safely. On this occasion Sergeant Hetherington did very well. His duty was
to patrol towards Vlaklaagte daily at 4.15 A.M. Hearing firing beyond that
place he pushed on, opening fire on the Boers. The enemy retreated, driving
off about 100 horses, but two truck-loads of horses were saved by the timely
attack of this patrol. The engine-driver of the train was slightly wounded.
An attempt by the Boers to drive off some ponies from Waterval failed, and
they lost a man wounded.

On
the 13th the Boers derailed another train near Vlaklaagte, but were beaten
off by the escort of Kitchener's Fighting Scouts. Two scouts were
unfortunately injured when the train left the rails. Again Sergeant
Hetherington's patrol came up and assisted in the discom­fiture of the
enemy. Lieutenant Jenkins with his troop from Water­val and troops from
Standerton also turned out but could not arrive in time.

The
behaviour of Sergeant Hetherington on these two occasions received the
commendation of General Wynne.

On
December 15th Lieutenant A. Symons sailed for England to join the Staff
College.

Three days later rifles in lieu of carbines were issued to A Squad­ron, B
and C Squadrons receiving theirs on the 21st and 25th respectively.

On
the same day a non-commissioned officer and six men were attached to the
infantry post at Frischgevaad, about seven miles from Heidelberg. One of
these men, Private Lee, was wounded the next day while patrolling.

December 24. Lieutenant Marchant with a troop of A Squadron from
Greylingstad was attached to the mobile column under Colonel Colville for a
few days.

On
that day half the Eden kop troop under Lieutenant Hodgkinson went out with
150 men of the 2nd Devons and one pom-pom foraging,—Captain Vigors of the
2nd Devons commanding the whole party. His report of the occurrence which
took place is as follows:­

When seven miles out from Eden hop, and whilst the waggons (eight) were
loading, about 100 Boers attempted to surround my party.

My
left guard of 50 men, 2nd Devons, had got farther than I intended, leaving a
gap between the main body and them. That the Boers did not break through
this gap was largely due, I consider, to the excellent work done by a party
of the Cavalry.

The
party covering the waggons were attached by about 40 Boers. They were warned
by a scout, Private Blackley, 13th Hussars, that the enemy were advancing.
He dismounted and assisted in the attempt to repel the Boers, and when
matters got critical mounted and brought away Corporal Warmacott, 2nd
Devons, clinging to his stirrup. Corporal Warmacott informed me that had it
not been for Private Blackley's assistance he could not have got away. From
the fact that the covering party had three killed, three wounded, and ten
taken prisoners, I am of opinion that the conduct of this man deserves
special mention.

Private Blackley was mentioned in despatches.

The
last act of railway destruction by the enemy took place on December 29, when
a supply train laden with canteen stores was derailed near Vaal. The Boers,
some 200 to 300 strong, first looted and then burned the train. This affair
brought out Lieutenant Church with his troop from Waterval, a half company
of Scottish Rifles from Vaal, Lieutenants Stern and Marchant with their
troops and a com­pany of Mounted Infantry from Colonel Colville's column at
Greylingstad. But the enemy retired, and beyond long-range firing nothing
eventuated.

Meanwhile, on December 16th Lieutenant Jarvis and 30 men of the C Squadron
had left Heidelberg to join Colonel Colville's column at Modderfontein on
the Zuicherbosch river. The column was about 600 strong, and consisted of
the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade, the 63rd Battery Royal Field Artillery
under Major C. H. de Rougemont, and a pom-pom (Captain Patch).

Thus augmented by Lieutenant Jarvis's party the column advanced on the 17th
towards Malan's kraal. There were no other mounted troops, and the thirty
men had to furnish advance-, rear-, and flank-Guards—a difficult piece of
work. The duty before the column was to clear the country between the
railway line and the Vaal, and to work down to Standerton. Several small
parties of the enemy were about, and the men of the 13th were daily under
fire.

On
the first day the advance-guard was checked pro tem by a superior force.
Lance-Corporal Bradley was wounded and fell from his horse. Thereupon, under
a heavy fire, Private Dempster galloped up to his assistance, and taking him
up on his own horse afterwards sent him in to the ambulance. Private
Dempster, then on foot, joined the advanced company of the column. For this
gallant action Private Dempster was mentioned in despatches.

Next day the column marched to Grootvelt and there halted till December 19.
Lieutenant Jarvis with a patrol of twelve men was sent out to reconnoitre.
He found a strong party of Boers holding a ridge near the camp. Two
companies of infantry were then sent out, and the enemy were driven from the
ridge. They, however, received a strong reinforcement, and a sharp skirmish
ensued before they were driven off. Private M'Masters was wounded, and two
horses were hit. After a day's halt the column marched to Leeuwspruit and
camped above Balk Spruit. Supplies were running short, as a prearranged and
expected convoy to Moddersfontein had not arrived. Lieutenant

Jarvis was therefore sent to Vlakfontein to make inquiries. On arrival he
was informed that the convoy was not to proceed without an escort of at
least three companies of infantry. But this force was not available for the
duty, and so the supply convoy had not been sent. Lieutenant Jarvis returned
to the column and reported. Colonel Colville then determined to take his
column to Vlakfontein.

The
force marched at 5.30 A.M. in a dense fog on the 21st. Half­way the fog
cleared, and a force of some 400 Boers was almost at once discerned by the
advanced scouts. The enemy were concealed behind a small kopje.

There was a sharp fight, which lasted till about 12.30 P.M. The column
reached Vlakfontein at 2 P.M.

With reference to this affair the summary of news contained the following:—

Colonel
Colville, with moveable column, engaged two separate commandoes on the 21st
near Vlakfontein. Enemy retired before our attack when infantry was within
600 yards of their position, and lost several men. Our casualties were three
wounded. Colonel Colville attributes small loss to excellent shoot­ing of
63rd Battery, and skilful leading of Lieutenant Jarvis, 13th Hussars,
Captain Talbot, and 2nd Lieutenant White, Rifle Brigade.

On
December 23rd the column marched out to the South Rand mine. Next day a
start was made to attack the strong position held by the enemy on the
north-west corner of the Rooi Kopjes. In this very little success could be
attained; but two farms at the foot of the hills were burnt. A troop from A
Squadron under Lieutenant Marchant joined the column from Greylingstad that
day.

Christmas Day was passed in camp.

On
the morrow a second attempt was made against the Rooi Kopjes at a spot
rather more to the west. A company of the Rifle Brigade under Captain C. E.
Radclyffe, with a pom-pom (Major Harvest) which had joined at Vlakfontein,
was left to guard the camp. The troops of Lieutenants Marchant and Jarvis
formed the advance- and right flank-guard, and the rear- and left
flank-guard respectively. Some Boers concealed in a donga speedily opened a
heavy fire on the right flank-guard, but bolted when the guns got into
action. The column then advanced and destroyed a farm about a mile from the
kopjes, despite the strong resistance of the enemy. Here several casualties
occurred among the Rifle Brigade. Several parties of Boers were at the same
time seen to be galloping away and disappear­ing over the ridge behind the
house of one Commandant Buys. Their intention was suspected, and the
suspicion proved true, that they purposed getting round the flanks and
attacking the camp some five miles distant. This was twice reported to
Colonel Colville before 10 A.M., and a message was sent into camp. At 1 P.M.
it was found that the enemy were resolutely attacking the camp. The column
retired, followed up by the enemy, from the hills, and arrived in time to
drive away the Boers. But at the camp the pom-pom had lost all its horses,
and it had been needful to run it in by hand to prevent capture, while Major
Harvest and Captain Radclyffe were both wounded. The total casualties on
that day were nearly seventy killed and wounded, about two-thirds of the
number being those who remained in camp. The enemy, though driven off, had
not yet finished. About 8.30 P.M. they renewed their attack, but the
out­posts were able to deal with this.

On
the following morning at 8.30 A.M. the column marched to Greylingstad, and
on December 30th Lieutenant Jarvis and his troop returned to Heidelberg by
rail.

A
seasonable gift of comforts arrived at this time from Lady Russell, who thus
again showed her kindly interest in the regiment. A hand­some present of
pipes and tobacco also arrived from Colonel and Mrs Spilling, and were most
welcome.

From the reserve squadron, too, came out a generous supply of Christmas
puddings, which ought to have reached the regiment by Christmas, but did
not. However, early in January the somewhat belated Christmas fare arrived
and duly disappeared again.

On
December 31, 1900, the strength of the regiment at the front was 21
officers, 1 warrant officer, 452 non-commissioned officers and men, and 407
horses. Wanting to complete—5 officers, 54 non­commissioned officers and
men, and 46 horses.

On
the last day of the year an Army Order received contained a telegraphic
message from Her Majesty the Queen to Lord Kitchener of good wishes to all
ranks.

During the year 1900 the deaths in the regiment were as follows: ­Killed in
action, 2; died of wounds, 1; enteric, 27; dysentery, 6; drowned, 1; other
causes, 3. Total, 40.

201
men had been invalided home.

The
drafts from England amounted to 221 non-commissioned officers and men.

"The 13th in
the South African War."From: C. R. B. Barrett, History of
the XIII Hussars, 1910. Chapter XXXVII: 1901.

"The
13th at Waterloo" recounts the actions of the 13th Light
Dragoons during the Waterloo Campaign of 1815. From the Regimental
History, C. R. B. Barrett, History of the XIII Hussars,
1911.

"The
13th at Balaclava." The 13th Light Dragoons in the Charge of the
Light Brigade before the Russian guns at the Battle of Balaclava
during the Crimean War. From the Regimental History, C. R. B.
Barrett, History of the XIII Hussars,
1911.

"H.M. 13th Light
Dragoons." The Regiment served in India from 1819-1840. During
that time, as the 13th Light Dragoons, the regiment took part in the
suppression of the mutiny at Bangalore and in actions at Kurnool and
Zorapoor. Excerpts from the Regimental History, C. R. B. Barrett,
History of the XIII Hussars, are featured in the Family History in
India website, which is designed to help people research their
European and Anglo-Indian family history in colonial
India.

In 1876,
Baden-Powell was posted to his first regiment,The
13th Hussars, a cavalry regiment with a long
tradition. They were perhaps best known for their part in the Charge
of the Light Brigade before the guns at Balaclava in the Crimean
War. The regiment continues today as part of The
Light Dragoons, an armored regiment of the
British Army that saw service in Desert Storm.

It was at the
Siege and Defense of Mafeking during the South African (Anglo-Boer)
War that Baden-Powell made his name and first gained public
recognition. 1999-1902 marks the Centennial of the War.
Developed as part of that observance, Perspectives
on the South African War provides a collection of links to
original and contemporary sources on the South African War.